Sec. 1. 35-A MRSA §3143 is enacted to read:

§3143.__Contracts for utility line extensions

A transmission and distribution utility or a private line extension contractor that is engaged to construct a line extension to a residential property shall provide its customer with a contract that must contain the entire agreement with the customer and must contain at least the following provisions:

1.__Names of parties.__The name, address and phone number of both the transmission and distribution utility or private line extension contractor and the customer;

2.__Location.__The location of the property upon which the construction work is to be done;

3.__Work dates.__Both the estimated date of commencement of work and the estimated date when the work will be substantially completed;

4.__Contract price.__The total contract price, including all costs to be incurred in the proper performance of the work, or, if the work is priced according to a cost-plus formula, the agreed-upon price and an estimate of the cost of labor and materials;

5.__Payment.__The method of payment, with the initial down payment limited to no more than 1/3 of the total contract price; and

6.__Description of work.__A general description of the work and materials to be used.

SUMMARY

This bill requires transmission and distribution utilities and private line extension contractors to provide residential customers with contracts for line extensions that include at least the names of the parties, location of the work, estimated work dates, contract price, payment method and general description of the work.